Heritage and Culture
The Slate Landscape of North West Wales, Gwynedd was designated World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2021. It is a serial property in six parts: Ogwen Valley; Dinorwig Quarry; Nantlle Valley; Gorseddau and Prince of Wales; Ffestiniog & Porthmadog and Abergynolwyn & Tywyn, with each encompassing relict quarries and mines, archaeological sites related to slate industrial processing, historical settlements, both living and relict, historic gardens and grand country houses, ports, harbours and quays, and railway and road systems illustrating the functional and social linkages of the relict slate industrial landscape.
It includes spectacular quarry landscapes such as Penrhyn, Dinorwig, the Nantlle Valley and Ffestiniog. It also includes the National Slate Museum in Llanberis, Penrhyn Castle and the famous Ffestiniog and Talyllyn Railways, built to transport the slate from quarry to markets around the world and both later transformed through the dedication of volunteers into heritage railways. The landscape tells the incredible story of the evolution of an upland agricultural society to one dominated by the slate industry; with towns, quarries and transport links carving their way through the Eryri (Snowdonia) mountains down towards the iconic ports. For more information visit the Llechi Cymru / Welsh Slate website and follow them on Facebook, X and Instagram.
The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales is undoubtedly fascinating, but by its very nature can be remote, dangerous and challenging. A significant proportion of the landscape is within private ownership and some of this on land where no public access is permitted.
Before you set off to explore the slate landscape, ask yourself, am I allowed to access this site? Do I have the right gear? Do I know what the weather will be like? Do I have the knowledge and skills for the day? Go to AdventureSmart.uk to find out how to enjoy your visit safely.
Our Heritage
Our Heritage encompassing everything from prehistory to the coming of the Romans, pilgrims’ trails to the Princes of Gwynedd, spiritual landscapes to the slate industry. For further information go to the Our Heritage website.
National Slate Museum
Llanberis’s National Slate Museum brings to life an industry that once ‘roofed the world’. This is no ordinary museum. It’s the actual 19th-century workshops, looking as if the workers have just clocked off for the day. There’s also a row of quarrymen’s cottages and giant waterwheel.
The National Trust
The National Trust cares for mansions and historic houses large and small – for example, Bangor’s neo-baronial Penrhyn Castle and humble Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant, Penmachno, home of Bishop William Morgan, who first translated the Bible into Welsh.
Words and Music
This lyrical language of ours is music to the ears. For more Celtic melodies and the chance to take part in interactive exhibitions go to Tŷ Siamas, Dolgellau, the National Centre for Folk Music. And for the written word there’s Tŷ Newydd, the National Writers’ Centre for Wales, at Llanystumdwy.
People and Places
Fiery politician Lloyd George who became Prime Minister had a peaceful upbringing in the village of Llanystumdwy – visit the museum there dedicated to the charismatic ‘Welsh Wizard’. The unique fantasy village of Portmeirion, where Italy meets North Wales, was the vision of one man – architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. Go there and be amazed. Kate Roberts (1891–1985) is one of Wales’s most celebrated writers. Discover more about her life and work at the heritage centre in her childhood home, Cae’r Gors, Rhosgadfan.
Cadw
Cadw meaning ‘to keep’ or ‘to protect’ is the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, responsible for the care of many historic sites such as Plas Mawr, Conwy, and major castles. Download the latest version of the App.
Local history on your smartphone
Look out for the green HistoryPoints logo on walls, fences, and windows. Scan the QR codes with an App on your mobile or tablet and discover the story of the object or landscape in front of you.
